I have had many conversations with the Year 9 cohort regarding their Leadership Diploma this term. Many students have begun their Community Service component by participating in the Red Cross Door Knock Appeal last term and volunteering their time and energy to assist with the St Catherine’s production of The Crucible through backstage roles, lighting and ushering last week. There are also many Year 9 students preparing to assist at the Red Shield Appeal today, Friday 24 May. It is pleasing to see students demonstrating their proactivity and organisation to independently seek out these roles. There will be continued opportunities for the Year 9 cohort to volunteer and contribute their service throughout the year.

Another component of the Leadership Diploma is the Digital Citizenship Program. As part of this program, Year 9 students will be unplugging from a device for one week in Term 3. This will allow for a better understanding of the impact that technology has on their lives and the benefits that can come from logging off, something many students in Year 9 are already identifying and experiencing through the ‘No Phone Friday’ initiative.

At such an influential age, the power of technology cannot be underestimated. On 6 May, the Butterfly Foundation spoke to the Years 9 and 10 students about the impact that social media can have on body and self-image. In particular, the reinforcement of unrealistic body stereotypes and expectations through our predisposition to compliment others based on how they look, instead of forming our compliments and kind words around the content of one’s character or achievements. The Year 9 cohort have been set a challenge to try and change this mentality through their engagement with others through social media and face-to-face interactions.

The Years 9 and 10 Music Recital was held on Monday 20 May. The students were given the opportunity to perform for their peer groups within the beautiful surrounds of the Barbreck Auditorium. It was a privilege to witness the musical talent on show, and to see the support and acknowledgement those who performed in the recital received from their friends and peers. Some images from the Recital can be viewed below.

As we move through this term, discussions in class are quickly turning to the upcoming Semester 1 Examinations. Year 9 will sit 90 minute examinations for all their core subjects as well as Languages. Being the first time these students will sit Semester Exams, there is a level of nervousness and anticipation around what to expect. Year 9 Form teachers will use their time in Form to discuss ways to be proactive, persistent and organised in the preparation for exams. We will also be running a level period dedicated to study tips, examination techniques and important ways to remain balanced during this new and potentially stressful time. Many Year 9 students are already collecting study timetables from me weekly to assist in their preparation. These timetables are available to Year 9 students at any time.

Year 9 Examination Timetable

• Tuesday 11 June: Normal school day.
• Wednesday 12  June: Normal school day.
• Thursday 13 June: First day of Semester 1 Examinations.
• Wednesday 19 June: Last day of Semester 1 Examinations.
• Thursday 20 June: Exam Handback Day (last day of Term 2).

Astoundingly, we are now past the half way point of this busy term and the pace does not look like it will be easing any time soon! Let us keep up the good work, Year 9.